Creeping baby's breath
Gypsophila repens · Caryophyllaceae
📷 Ghislain118 http://www.fleurs-des-montagnes.net · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant creeping baby's breath: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Type
- Perennial herb
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- May to July
- Adult height
- 15 to 20 cm
- Spread
- 30 to 40 cm
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20°C)
- Origin
- Mountainous regions of central and eastern Europe
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Plant in very well-drained soil, even gravelly. Water once in the first year only, then let the rain take over.
The common mistake
Watering it regularly thinking you're doing well: it rots immediately, the roots can't handle persistent moisture.
The pro's trick
Mix coarse sand or gravel when planting, to a depth of 15 cm.
Seasonal watch
After flowering (late July), cut the dead stems to prevent them from trapping autumn moisture and rotting the new growth.
Care
Light exposure
Creeping gypsophila thrives in direct, intense sunlight. It appreciates at least 6 hours of direct light daily for optimal flowering. Avoid overly shaded locations, which slow growth and reduce blooming.
Watering
Water needs are very moderate once established. Water regularly during the first year to promote root development, then reduce watering. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. Excess water causes root rot.
Soil
This plant prefers well-draining, light, and calcareous or neutral soils. It tolerates poor and rocky soils typical of its mountain habitat. Improve drainage with sand or gravel if your soil is too compacted.
Pruning and cleanup
Light pruning after flowering encourages branching and maintains a compact form. Remove faded flowers and dying stems. Avoid severe pruning as it would weaken the plant.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is necessary on average quality soil. A moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient on very poor soils. Too much fertilizer encourages foliage at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and pests
Creeping gypsophila is very hardy and seldom troubled by disease. Excess moisture can promote root rot or mold. Ensure good drainage and air circulation to prevent these issues. No major pests threaten it under normal conditions.
Did you know?
Creeping gypsophila is a mountain plant that has adapted to poor, rocky and calcareous terrain, hence its scientific name 'Gypsophila' meaning 'lover of gypsum'. It is highly prized in rock gardens and alpine gardens, and its taller cousins (Gypsophila paniculata) are the emblematic 'baby's breath' flowers of traditional floral bouquets.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Smooth rupturewortHerniaria glabra
- Rock soapwortSaponaria ocymoides
- Snow-in-summerCerastium tomentosum
- Sticky CatchflyViscaria vulgaris
- Mountain sandwortArenaria montana
- Baby's breathGypsophila paniculata
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.